| |MARCH 20269BHARAT BIOTECH BETS ON VACCINES TO TACKLE DRUG RESISTANCEOZEMPIC PATENT EXPIRY DRIVES SURGE IN PHARMA STOCKS AHEAD OF LAUNCHBharat Biotech is pushing into a new frontier by using vaccines to tackle drug resistance, marking a strategic shift as the pandemic fades and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rises as a global health threat.The Hyderabad - based biotech, best known for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, revealed that it is now developing vaccines specifically aimed at preventing drug?resistant infections that are increasingly common in hospital settings where antibiotics fail.The company said its new vaccine strategy focuses on preventative shots that could be given before surgeries to block hospital acquired infections, especially those fueled by drug?resistant pathogens. This approach reflects a broader industry pivot toward prevention rather than treatment as AMR escalates worldwide.Raches Ella, Bharat Biotech's chief development officer, underscored the urgency of this shift, saying the company's pipeline is expanding beyond traditional vaccines into areas where current drugs are losing effectiveness. Ella noted that vaccines designed to reduce dependency on antibiotics are central to tackling the challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which the company sees as a growing burden on health systems globally.Alongside this new focus, Bharat Biotech continues to advance several late stage vaccine candidates, including options targeting diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrheal illnesses, and other infections where drug resistance is a concern. These efforts aim to strengthen the company's position in global public health by preventing illnesses that increasingly evade antibiotic treatments.The company is also investing in future technologies, exploring advanced cell and gene therapies to support long-term growth while leveraging its vaccine expertise. This dual strategy keeps vaccine-based solutions for drug resistance at the heart of Bharat Biotech's post-COVID expansion plan. POAjanta Pharma, Sun Pharma, and Lupin are in focus today as pharma stocks see a strong uptick, with Ozempic Patent Expiry emerging as a key trigger that drives surge in pharma stocks ahead of launch, as companies gear up to tap into the fast-growing diabetes and weight-loss drug market.The patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is set to expire around March 20, opening the market for lower-cost generic versions. The Ozempic patent expiry is expected to trigger intense competition as Indian drugmakers move quickly to launch semaglutide generics.Lupin has already partnered with Zydus for co-marketing, while Sun Pharma and other players are lining up approvals and scaling production. The entry of generics is likely to bring down prices significantly, improving access in a country with a large diabetic population and rising obesity cases.Lower pricing could expand usage beyond urban centers, driving volumes higher. At the same time, competition is expected to increase sharply, with multiple companies entering the space. Early movers with strong distribution networks and doctor relationships may gain a clear edge.The opportunity is not limited to India. With patent timelines aligning across regions, semaglutide generics are expected to expand into key global markets, increasing the overall revenue potential for manufacturers.Semaglutide is widely prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels. It is also used for weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above who are overweight or obese, especially when linked to conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. The growing awareness around obesity treatment has boosted demand for such therapies. PO
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